13.9 Pre-ETS Auxiliary Aids and Services

Includes a range of services and devices that enable students with impaired sensory, cognitive, manual, or speaking skills to have an equal opportunity to participate in pre-employment transition services. Prescriptive or highly customized rehabilitation technology (e.g., hearing aids) does not constitute auxiliary aids or services allowable as a pre-employment transition service. Additionally, in some cases, accessibility software may be considered an auxiliary aid or service, but the purchase of a computer needed to use the software would not.

A service provider who is qualified as an ASL interpreter may provide other services to the same individual but may not bill separately for simultaneously providing ASL interpreting.

(Procedure codes P31050-05, P31050-06)

Please see the “Introduction,” and the section “Provider Travel" (under Overview of Vocational Services and Goods).

(Procedure codes P51000-01, P51000-02, P51000-03, P51000-07)

Interpreting services should be scheduled and authorized as far in advance as possible to assure the availability of appropriate interpreting at the least possible cost. It may be necessary to procure the services of two interpreters when interpreting services are needed for more than two consecutive hours or depending on the content of the meeting (e.g., content is complicated or intensive). The industry standard requires a two-hour minimum to be authorized and paid, even if the event is expected to last less than two hours. When a vendor has an internal contract for interpreting services, DVR staff shall authorize at these rates. If a contract rate is not available, DVR staff will authorize at a usual and customary rate that is deemed fair and reasonable. Please also see Chapter 9, “Communication Services,” for more detailed information.

Payment Rates (P51000-01)

• According to internal contract or lowest available usual and customary rate

• 2-hour minimum

• Purchased in 15-minute increments purchased thereafter

Payment Rate for Special Circumstances (P51000-02, P51000-03)

• Weekends and Holidays

  • According to internal contract or lowest available usual and customary rate

  • 2-hour minimum

  • Purchased in 15-minute increments purchased thereafter

Late Notice Surcharges, Per Assignment (P51000-07)

An additional surcharge for short notice scheduling that is less than 48 hours can be paid at the lowest available usual and customary rate

The cancellation fee is 100% of the planned amount for the first day when an interpreting job is canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice.

(Procedure code P51000-04, P51000-05, P51000-06, P51000-07, P51000-08, and P51000-09)

Deaf communication services may be purchased from an uncertified provider if the provider is fully capable of delivering adequate communication services to the individual. It may be necessary to procure the services of two providers when communication services are needed for more than two consecutive hours or depending on the content of the situation.

Payment Rates

• Up to $31.00 per hour

• Up to $7.75 each 15-minute increment thereafter

• No 2-hour minimum

Payment Rate for Special Circumstances

• Up to $41.00 per hour on the weekends

• Up to $51.00 per hour on holidays

• No 2-hour minimum

Late Notice Surcharges, Per Assignment

An additional surcharge for short notice scheduling that is less than 48 hours can be paid at a rate not to exceed $20.00

The cancellation fee is 100% of the planned amount for the first day when an interpreting job is canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice.

(Procedure code P51000-10)

Sign language communication services from a family member should be obtained at no cost whenever reasonable and possible. However, DVR can pay family members for communication services, when appropriate.

Payment Rate

• Up to $21.00 per hour

• Partial hours purchased in 15-minute increments

• No 2-hour minimum

(Procedure code P51000-11)

CART is instantaneous translation of the spoken word into English text using a stenotype machine, computer, and Real-Time software. This technology is primarily used by people who have hearing limitations or are learning English as a second language. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifically recognizes CART as "effective communication access.”

Payment Rate: Up to $100.00 per hour

(Procedure code P53000-01)

Reader services are verbal or signed communications of printed text for individuals unable to read or comprehend typical written or printed materials.

Initial authorizations should not exceed 10 hours per month; authorization may be amended for additional hours if the counselor determines it to be necessary and documents justification in the service record.

Payment Rate: $15.85  per hour

(Procedure code P53000-02)

Verbal or signed communications of highly technical, industry-specific, or otherwise atypically complex printed text for individuals unable to access or comprehend written or printed materials. Service also allows access to technology and electronic information like the Internet that is unable to be accessed due to disability (e.g., accessing websites that are not compatible with screen reading or enlargement programs or accessing computers when an individual is unable due to language, physical, or cognitive ability).

Payment Rate: Up to $16.50 per hour

(Procedure code P53500-01)

Services that provide an accurate record of the content of verbal material presented by an instructor, evaluator, or employer for an individual unable to hear or comprehend verbal communications.

Payment Rate: $15.85 per hour

(Procedure code P55501-01, P55502-01, P55506-01)

The payment rate for purchase, rental and repair is the lowest available usual and customary rates, depending on the skill level and technical expertise required.